Science in the 19th Century Periodical

Punch, Or the London Charivari [1st]

Introductory Essay
Volume 16  (January to June 1849)
Punch,  16 (1849), [xviii].

The Great Sea Serpent

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; Almanac, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [4]

Illustrators:

R D, pseud.  [Richard Doyle] Doyle, Richard (1824–83) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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[Pictorial Border]

Subjects:

Monstrosities


    Shows various sea-serpents attacking, being entertained by, and being ridden by, humans.



The Phrenological Almanac

Subjects:

Phrenology


    Subtitled the 'Phrenological Almanac', describes the phrenological faculties that will be prominent in each month.




Punch,  16 (1849), [xx].

Cambridge University–As it Was, and As it Will Be

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; Almanac, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]



[Pictorial Border]

Subjects:

Universities, Education, Instruments, Palaeontology, Museums, Reading, Mathematics, Astronomy, Philosophy

People mentioned:

John Locke, Locke, John (1632–1704) DSB
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Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban), Bacon, Francis, 1st Viscount St Alban (1561–1626) DSB ODNB
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Jeremy Bentham, Bentham, Jeremy (1748–1832) ODNB
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David Hume, Hume, David (1711–76) DSB
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Isaac Newton, Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727) DSB
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Gottfried W Leibniz Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm (1646–1716) DSB
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    Shows the dissolute existence of University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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students of previous generations and, by comparison, the scholarly activities of contemporary students. The latter are shown around telescopes, globes, skulls of ancient mammals, and works of learned philosophers.



The University Almanack

Subjects:

Universities, Education, Political Economy, Palaeontology, Mathematics, Entomology, Pneumatics, Botany, Mineralogy, Chemistry, Exploration, Geology

People mentioned:

William Paley Paley, William (1743–1805) DSB
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    Includes remarks on where University of Cambridge University of Cambridge
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students study and explore scientific subjects.




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Punch,  16 (1849), 2.

A Light Article

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Light, Electricity, Invention, Technology, Accidents, Commerce

People mentioned:

Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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    Explains some of the advantages of the electric light, including the fact that it can be exhibited in a vacuum (thus making it suitable illumination for 'many of our theatres'). '[T]here is nothing explosive in its nature', and it 'can be increased unlimitedly', thus allowing greater visibility at night and in fogs. Believes 'lamplighters will soon be replaced by practical chemists' and that electric lights will force gas companies to lower their prices.



Punch,  16 (1849), 9.

Punch's Patent Exhilarating Gas Company

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Gas Chemistry, Invention, Morality, Politics, Government, Commerce

People mentioned:

Joseph Priestley Priestley, Joseph (1733–1804) DSB
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    Mr Punch presents his scheme for supplying 'protoxide of nitrogen', a gas which he believes 'exerts an elevating influence', to the public. Intends to erect 'Exhilarating Gas Houses' and argues that installing 'Exhilarating' gas-pipes in homes, theatres, and the Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament
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, will restore the humour of people in those places. Believes that exhilarating gas supplied to the Stock Exchange Stock Exchange
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will raise 'national prosperity' and that it will provide the government with 'an infallible means of preserving order and tranquillity'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 11.

Porters' Statistics

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

W N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Telegraphy, Technology, Railways, Observation


    Describes a porter's problems operating the railway and telegraph on a 'trying' junction at Witham Station. Explains that individuals who squint are preferred on this line because they can look 'two ways at once'. Suggests that porters train as acrobats, so they can 'make rapid descents along the electric telegraph wires from station to station'. The illustration shows a solution to the problem of one railway porter managing several different tasks.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 15.

A Wire-Drawn Message

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Government, Politics, Anaesthesia, Magic


    Impressed by the feat of the electric telegraph transmitting the 'President's Message' from 'one corner of America to the other', an accomplishment that took some thirty-six hours to complete. However, thinks that a far better test of the telegraph's powers would be to submit the invention to the ordeal of Thomas C Anstey's Anstey, Thomas Chisholm (1816–73) ODNB
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notoriously long speeches, an ordeal which will require the telegraph to take 'ether or chloroform, together with the magical aid of Robert Houdin Houdin, Robert (1805–71) CBD
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'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 22.

Chicken Hazard

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Breeding, Technology, Invention, Animal Husbandry


    Announces that the 'egg-hatching' machine is up for sale. Adds that unless enough money is raised, '16,000 juvenile cocks and hens' will 'die the death of the bad and musty'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 24.

Instantaneous Diplomacy

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Telegraphy, Government, Politics


    Discusses the diplomatic consequences of having instantaneous telegraphic communication between London and Paris. Anticipates a 'great economy' in the language of diplomacy: for example a typical exchange might be: '"Can't you reduce the tariff?" "Not in the present state of the Exchequer." "Take the duty off our claret." "Don't you wish you may get it?"'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 34.

A Rus in Urbe; or, The Green Hills (Rents) of Smithfield

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry

Subjects:

Sanitation, Public Health, Disease, Environmentalism


    Describes the 'Sanitary Powers, / In American golosh [...] Scattering marjoram and thyme, / Fraught with disinfecting scents' on the odorous 'Greenhill's Rents', where impoverished 'Human creatures herd with kine'. Wants 'Sanitary Powers' to shed 'purifying showers' of 'fragrant vinegar' on these 'blest and balmy bowers' to drive 'pestilence afar', and to go to the 'Corporation' to know why humans 'suffer such a place?'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 34.

Domestic Heroisms: Being a December Day in the Life of a Determined Man

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Anon

Genre:

Diary, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Sanitation, Invention, Domestic Economy


    Describes his experience of using a new shower-bath invention on a cold December morning. The illustration shows a nervous man wearing a shower-cap (in the shape of a dunce's hat), and peering out from behind the shower curtain.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 35–6.

Child's Parties: and a Remonstrance Concerning them

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[William M Thackeray] Thackeray, William Makepeace (1811–63) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1899. The Hitherto Unidentified Contributions of W. M. Thackeray to "Punch": With a Complete and Authoritative Bibliography from 1843 to 1848, London: Harper & Brothers
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Genre:

Regular Feature, Diary, Spoof

Subjects:

Microscopy, Display


    Records that she took her children to see Dr Leis's Leis, Dr (fl. 1849) PU1/16/4/1
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microscope (35).



Punch,  16 (1849), 37.

Penmanship and Physicians

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Paracelsus Pillicock M.D. U Pillicock, Paracelsus (MD)
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Genre:

Essay, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Treatment, Medical Practitioners, Pharmaceuticals, Nomenclature


    Offers a solution to the grave problem of illegible prescriptions. Having received instruction from Mr Punch, translates one of his prescriptions into plain English. Believes this is especially urgent as the similarity of the symbols for the ounce and drachm in apothecary's language could lead to fatal consequences. Urges the Royal College of Physicians Royal College of Physicians
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to stop 'concealing from patients what it is that they have to swallow'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 71.

A Balloon Railway

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Aeronautics, Commerce


    Responds to J Browne's Browne, Mr J (fl. 1849) PU1/16/7/1
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proposal to carry people economically and safely to California by balloon. Asks Browne whether passengers are 'required to bring their own strait-waistcoats'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 71.

Gross Inconsistency

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Health


    Responds to an advertisement in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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from a general practitioner offering to give a pupil a home in a 'healthy' neighbourhood and 'every opportunity of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the profession'. Doubts whether much medicine can be learnt in such a neighbourhood.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 76.

The Californian Balloon Railway

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery; Essay, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Railways, Aeronautics, Charlatanry, Engineering, Commerce


    Discusses J Browne's Browne, Mr J (fl. 1849) PU1/16/7/1
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request for English and American investors in his scheme to build a balloon railway across America. Considers Browne's style so inflated that he should have no problem supplying the 'bags of wind' for his invention. Suggests that a better scheme would be to use birds, notably the eagle, to carry people. The illustration shows a gold-digger riding an eagle heading for California.



Punch,  16 (1849), 78.

Ringing the Changes

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Steam-power, Machinery, Government, Politics


    Acknowledges that science has discovered how to stop large machines in motion, such as 'a railway engine speed', but has failed to elucidate a method for halting a Member of Parliament's tongue. Describes the motion of the tongue as if it were a railway engine, with the tongue, for example, 'running on, apparently forever, towards what seems to be a constantly receding terminus'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 87.

The Fast Train to Hampton Court

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration; News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Railways, Transport


    Responds to news that a correspondent in The Times The Times (1777–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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travelled on a Hampton Court Railway Hampton Court Railway
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locomotive that was dragged for three miles by a horse. Prefers 'a cab to the idle fiction' of travel by trains on the Hampton line. The illustration depicts a horse dragging a coal cart and railway carriages.



Punch,  16 (1849), 91.

The Terra Incognita of Lincoln's Inn Fields

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Illustrators:

N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Exploration, Natural History, Botany, Zoology, Vulcanology, Mapping

People mentioned:

James C Ross, Ross, Sir James Clark (1800–62) DSB
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William E Parry Parry, Sir William Edward (1790–1855) ODNB
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    Responding to the Builder's Builder (1842–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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notion of popularizing the 'inclosure' of Lincoln's Inn Fields Lincoln's Inn Fields
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, claims that this territory has a geography 'beyond comprehension' and needs a 'regularly qualified surveyor' to report on its 'Botany, Zoology and other natural features'. The illustrations show the map of the fields furnished by 'rumour', and a representation of supposed animals in the woods of the region. The map includes such unlikely features as a supposed extinct volcano and a town.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 96.

Our "As You Like it"

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Anon

Genre:

Drama, Drollery

Subjects:

Geology, Mapping, Public Health, Sanitation


    The drama, 'slightly altered from Shakespeare Shakespeare, William (1564–1616) ODNB
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, and respectfully dedicated to the woods and forests', opens with a scene in which a 'Commissioner of Woods and Forests Commissioners of Woods and Forests
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' speaks of the 'thousand offices of Carlisle Howard, George William Frederick, 7th Earl of Carlisle (1802–64) ODNB
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' including 'Director / Of Geological Surveys; Chairman, too, / Of Sewer Commissions'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 102.

Beauties of the British Museum

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Astronomy, Lecturing, Amusement, Discovery


    Observes that lecturers on astronomy cannot get successfully through a season without 'plenty of additions'—namely, announcements of the discovery of new stars, comets, poles, and 'wind-instruments to the band of ORION', and 'pure cream' added to the 'milky way'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 107.

Victuals and Drink

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Public Health, Pollution, Sanitation, Nutrition


    A cynical dig at the poor state of London's water supply. Discusses attempts 'to supply the Metropolis with pure water' instead of the 'full-bodied liquid, in which are included not only an ordinary drinkable but a variety of eatables'. Insists that 'we scarcely require soup kitchens' when 'potage à la Thames' is 'supplied to us at a comparatively trifling expense'. Regards the filtering process to be used on London water as wasteful, since it will remove the 'most nutritious particles' from the water.



Punch,  16 (1849), 111.

Lodgings for Antediluvians

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [3]

Subjects:

Palaeontology, Museums


    Discusses an Athenaeum Athenaeum (1828–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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report on William Howley Howley, William (1766–1848) ODNB
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, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who asked members of the Geological Society Geological Society of London
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to find 'an antediluvian museum' to house the growing collections of fossils in the British Museum British Museum
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. Anticipates that overcrowding problems will lead to such sights as holes being 'cut in upper floors to admit the beak of some pterodactlyus longirostris', and the 'legs of a megalonyx' being 'let down into the cellar'. Illustrations depict these solutions.



Punch,  16 (1849), 112.

And Doth Not a Meeting Like This. A Railway Melody

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Anon

Genre:

Song, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Transport, Commerce


    'Sung with great applause by a Shareholder of the York and North Midland Railway York and North Midland Railway
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', this song praises the meeting for making amends 'For all the large sums we've been squand'ring away', and describes, with much glee, the other scandalous financial activities of the railway company.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 116.

Water Parties for Next Summer

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Transport, Invention, Steamships


    Discusses the impact of a 'new contrivance', announced in the New York Express New York Express (cited 1849) PU1/16/12/1
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, allowing 'a man to float' in a river 'as long as he chooses, only using his finger to propel himself'. Argues that this will ruin the steamboat service and describes the many possible benefits of the invention, including the fact that 'a mother will be able to take her family by water to Margate, stopping on their way at Erith for dinner, and land on the pier at the same time as the steamer, without having paid sixpence for the fare'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 116.

The Great Sea-Serpent

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Zoology, Controversy


    Reports on a sighting of the 'Sea Serpent' and the South African's South African (cited 1849) PU1-16-12-2
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claim that some regard the beast to be a 'flight of sea-fowl skimming the water in single file'. Believes the latter claim leads to Richard Owen's Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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question regarding the number of gulls needed to 'make' the beast.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 126.

Manchester House Academy, and Political and Commercial School

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Anon

Genre:

Advertisement, Spoof

Subjects:

Education, Political Economy, Mathematics, Agriculture, Commerce


    Conducted by the radical statesmen Richard Cobden Cobden, Richard (1804–65) ODNB
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and John Bright Bright, John (1811–89) ODNB
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, the 'Academy' seeks to teach 'tenant farmers' and 'landlords' such subjects as 'Political and Financial ECONOMY' and arithmetic (taught by the 'eminent Accountant' Joseph Hume Hume, Joseph (1777–1855) ODNB
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). Stresses that it seeks to convince 'OLD GENTLEMEN [...] of the atrocity of Bloodshed and the emptiness of Glory; and to imbue their minds with those Pacific Principles, to maintain which is not only a matter of conscience, but also of Pounds, Shillings, and Pence'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 133.

The Battle of the Railways

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Engineering, Controversy, Accidents


    Regards the 'Battle of the Lines' between the East Lancashire East Lancashire Railway Company
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and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company
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railway companies to be far worse than the 'Battle of the Gauges'. Reports that the Lancashire and Yorkshire company barricaded the line with timber and empty railway carriages but 'signalised the state of things' to prevent oncoming trains from colliding with the obstructions.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 141.

The Gretna Green Blacksmith Defyeth Lord Campbell

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Telegraphy, Supernaturalism


    An attack on the 'Marriage Bill' of the Lord Chancellor John Campbell (1st Baron Campbell) Campbell, John, 1st Baron Campbell (1779–1861) ODNB
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. The bill's author, represented as a Scottish blacksmith, complains, 'Such awfu' dreams I see, / Ghaists o'post-chays, whom railway days / Lang syne has doomed to dee'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 142.

Symptoms of University Reform

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Universities, Education, Lecturing, Language


    Regards the University of Cambridge's University of Cambridge
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Jacksonian Professorship as one concerned with the 'science of pugilism' (a probable allusion to John Jackson Jackson, John ('Gentleman Jackson') (1769–1845) ODNB
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, the celebrated pugilist). Also argues that Cambridge's Plumian Professor will be giving lectures on 'British Slang' since 'Plumian' is short for 'the Plumby one'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 144.

Let him Turn and Flee

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Public Health, Disease, Spontaneous Generation, Monstrosities

People mentioned:

Roderick I Murchison Murchison, Sir Roderick Impey, 1st Baronet (1792–1871) DSBODNB
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    Discusses proceedings of an enquiry into the British Museum British Museum
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where T H Turner Turner, T H (fl. 1849) PU1/16/14/3
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claimed that want of ventilation in the museum had led to a giant flea being 'generated' in the reading room. Punch believes the flea ranks 'among the Megatheria of insect life' and that it should be 'brought up by Habeas before the Zoological Society Zoological Society of London
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'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 147.

The Ideal and the Real

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition


    Discusses the Government's judgement 'that the adulteration of coffee by chicory is a great improvement on the original article'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 152.

Legislative Weight in America

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Measurement, Instruments, Heat, Politics


    Responds to a New York Commercial Inquirer New York Commercial Inquirer (cited 1849) PU1/16/15/2
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article on the weight of members of the Assembly of New York. Thinks that the 'warmth' of the assembly's discussions should be 'ascertained by thermometer' and the 'specific gravity' and 'heaviness' of each member.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 158.

The New Mania

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Anon

Genre:

Essay

Subjects:

Railways, Mining, Commerce, Mental Illness


    Reports the disappearance of the 'Railway Madness' and the appearance of a 'Mining Insanity' which will cause the public to be blinded by the prospect of profit from speculation.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 166.

Steam Engines for the Waistcoat Pocket

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Steam-power, Invention, Technology, Domestic Economy


    Responding to an account of a 'Portable Steam Engine' in the Scottish Agricultural Gazette [i.e. Journal] Scottish Agricultural Journal (1849–50) BUCOP
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, believes the invention would be of no assistance without a portable coal cellar. Expresses no faith in 'Portable' inventions, citing a case of a 'Portable House' that, owing to wrongly numbered floors, led its builder to construct it 'topsy-turvy'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 167.

The Sea Serpent in A Fog

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Bowbell Bowbell
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Monstrosities, Natural History, Observation


    Reports the appearance of a 'long floating object' over the stern of the steamer on which he was travelling. Believes the object to be the 'Sea Serpent' despite knowing of the Illustrated Times's Illustrated Times and Weekly Miscellany (1848) Waterloo Directory
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opinion that it is a boat (as depicted in the illustration) or a 'steersman's' view that it is a whale.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 183.

Boil up A Gallop!

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Railways, Travel


    Mr Punch compliments the London and South-Western Railway Company London and South-Western Railway Company
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Directors but, unless trains travel faster on the London and Datchet branch, threatens to rename this line 'the London and Datchet Snailway'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 190.

Genuine Belly Timber

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Nutrition


    Responding to a Lancet Lancet (1823–1900+) Waterloo Directory
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article on Dr Percy's Percy, Dr (fl. 1849) PU1/16/14/1
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recommendations of 'bread made of wood', observes that wooden bread is the best material 'to make the staff of life'.



Punch,  16 (1849), [191].

Off the Rail

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Anon

Genre:

Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

[Lamp], pseud.  [John Leech] Leech, John (1817–64) ODNB
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Railways, Commerce, Charlatanry, Accidents


    Shows a portly 'King' George Hudson Hudson, George (1800–71) ODNB
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with a torso that forms the body of a steam locomotive and a crowned head forming the smoke emitted from the machine. The runaway locomotive keels off the track causing Hudson's crown (from which smoke emerges) to be knocked off.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 199.

Keep Your Heads Cool

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Invention, Heat, Domestic Economy

People mentioned:

David B Reid Reid, David Boswell (1805–63) ODNB
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    Discusses the 'numerous' schemes for 'ventilating hats'. Explains that the invention uses a 'ventilating wheel' but points out that they may feature 'something superior to the old whirligig mode of letting in air for the purpose of preventing explosions of fire-damp in the hat'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 205.

Telling the Character to a Hair

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Phrenology, Physiognomy, Charlatanry


    Notes the existence of 'a variety of methods', besides phrenology, for determining the character of an individual. Thinks the new method of gauging character from 'a lock of hair' savours of 'absurdity' and leads to such ridiculous claims as bald men having no character. Expects the next similar scheme will be chiropodists proposing to determine character 'by the cut of our corns'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 214.

The Political Touchstone

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Instruments, Invention, Government


    Proposes an apparatus for gauging 'the real sense of the country' on major political questions. Claims that the apparatus 'will act more cleverly than the aneroid barometer' but it turns out to be a simple ballot box into which people would put pieces of paper bearing their opinions and enclosing a farthing. The latter arrangement is supposed to convey the sincerity of the user.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 219.

A Shower of Discoveries

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Physics, Electromagnetism, Steam-power, Railways, Force, Charlatanry, Discovery


    Reports on the discovery of two 'new motive powers': 'Electro-Magnetism' and 'Xyloidine'. Explains that Xyloidine is a power for stopping steam, a process that Punch thinks is 'dangerous' and which is so strong that it will 'drive every railway out of the country'. Adds that the machinery for exploiting the power is sufficiently small that 'ladies will walk about with a live locomotive stuffed in their reticules' and that omnibuses, cabs, and horses will take on far less important roles. Anticipates a shower of 'new motive forces', including the power 'to turn Railway Directors into the path of honesty'. Expects to 'congratulate British science' if any of these powers 'are brought to light' and show that 'Power is enviable only, when guided by the noblest motives'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 220.

A Very Odd Fish

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Exhibitions, Amusement, Observation


    Reports on an exhibition on the 'Sea Serpent' at the Cosmorama Rooms Cosmorama Rooms, Regent Street
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in Regent Street. Adds that the exhibition was attended by a sailor who claimed to have seen the monster. However, spectators did not know whether the witness 'was not a more interesting object than the Sea Serpent himself, who looked as though he had been rather overboiled'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 221.

Punch Never Writes in Vain

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Telegraphy


    Describes how peers are to be taught how to use semaphores in the House of Lords House of Lords
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to overcome the appalling acoustics of that building. Adds that 'all speeches are to be made by signals' although the Lord Chancellor Charles C Pepys (Baron Cottenham) Pepys, Sir Charles Christopher, 1st Earl of Cottenham [1st Baron Cottenham] (1781–1851) ODNB
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, 'will have the privilege of working at an Electric Telegraph'. The illustration shows the various types of bodily semaphore.



Punch,  16 (1849), 222.

An H.B. Sketch of the Mind

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Anon

Genre:

Poetry, Satire

Subjects:

Public Health, Astronomy, Mechanics, Mental Illness, Government


    Among the things 'jostling each other in the brains of [the statesman] HARRY BROUGHAM Brougham, Henry Peter, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux (1778–1868) ODNB
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' is 'A people's Charter, with two new points—a scheme of ventilation' and 'A work on the Lunar theory, and the influence of the Moon / With personal illustrations (to be published very soon)'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 225.

Police by Electricity

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Electricity, Electrochemistry, Invention, Technology, Crime


    Describes a system of 'watching premises' by administering a 'galvanic shock' to a burglar 'through the medium of a shutter'. Adds that the electric current is used to stun the burglar and alarm the house owners. Wonders whether 'galvanic battery falls with the law relating to common assault'. Illustrations depict a stunned thief and a wooden figure of a policeman powered by electricity—another scheme for thwarting burglary.



Punch,  16 (1849), 225.

Look to Your Sugar Basins

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Adulteration, Public Health, Nutrition


    Discusses news of the use of lead in refining sugar. Expresses alarm at the amount of lead that 'must have been "taken up" into the system in this age of tea-drinkers' and thinks 'we might almost expect to convert our blood-vessels into leaden pipes'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 226.

What's in the Wind Now?

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Anon

Genre:

Reportage

Subjects:

Public Health, Technology, Government, Invention, Heat, Politics, Controversy


    Reports on William Wightman's Wightman, Sir William (1785–1863) ODNB
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rejection of David B Reid's Reid, David Boswell (1805–63) ODNB
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ventilation machine from the House of Commons House of Commons
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'for the time being', having been subjected to terrific blasts from the apparatus. Given the continuation of the 'Reid-ventilation', expects to see Members of Parliament dressed for the great 'scientific hurricanes'. Wants to allay a wind which has the characteristic of 'blowing nobody good'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 226.

An M.D. in a Gown

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Anon

Genre:

Introduction; Poetry

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Gender, Heroism


    The poem responds to news from the Medical Times Medical Times (1839–51) Medical Times and Gazette (1851–85) Waterloo Directory
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, that Elizabeth Blackwell Blackwell, Elizabeth (1821–1910) ODNB
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has gained a physician's degree from the General Medical College, New York General Medical College, New York
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. Upholds Blackwell as great 'heroine'. Urges 'Young Ladies' who occupy their time in such activities as 'novels' and 'knitting' to 'reflect' on Blackwell's example. Believes women would be much more useful, and married life would be 'much more blest', if women could prescribe the proper medicines to an ill relative. Asks 'bachelors [...] Who'd call a female doctor "blue"', to remember, 'What physic costs a father!'. Wishes Blackwell to be dubbed 'DOCTRIX BLACKWELL' and to present her with a 'gold-handed parasol' for her efforts.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 230.

The Peers and the Silent System

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Illustration, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Sound, Light, Instruments, Invention, Technology, Politics, Government


    Describes an instrument for enabling reporters to hear the whispers of peers in the House of Lords House of Lords
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. The instrument, illustrated in an accompanying cut, is 'an opera glass and ear trumpet in one', with the opera glass allowing reporters to make sure that a peer is speaking when his lips are moving.



Punch,  16 (1849), 236.

Punch's Free Admission to the Exhibitions of London

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Exhibitions, Amusement


    Discusses the Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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. Complains about the difficulty of finding the gardens, but praises the exhibitions of flowers and animals, particularly the 'concert' produced by the animals' noises. Describes a military entertainment at the gardens and concludes that the gardens 'are decidedly the cheapest, and the most varied, entertainment, we cannot say in, but somewhere near London'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 241.

Punch's Reptile House

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Human Species, Zoology


    Reports on the latest additions to the reptile house at the Zoological Society Gardens Zoological Society of London —Gardens
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and observes that the 'spectacle' suggests the notion of a 'Social Reptile House' which would house such 'creeping varieties of the human race' as attorneys, 'slander-mongering journalists', and 'dishonest politicians'.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 251.

The Crocodile Family

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Subjects:

Zoology, Animal Behaviour, Representation, Periodicals


    Responds to an argument in an 'Irish periodical' that the crocodile is not a 'malicious reptile' but 'rather a jolly dog' with a sentimental nature. Seeks further proof of the argument and points out that the crocodile's teeth are 'sadly overdrawn' if he is as inoffensive as is claimed. Resolves to continue its 'slight acquaintance' with the reptile. The illustration shows a man offering a drink to a crocodile emerging out of the water near a river bank.



Punch,  16 (1849), 251.

Popular Osteology

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Anatomy


    Responding to a curious advertisement for 'OLD ORIGINAL BONES', doubts the worth of such objects and invites Richard Owen Owen, Richard (1804–92) DSB
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'or some other scientific bone-grubber' to reveal why they are attractive.



Punch,  16 (1849), 255.

Our Military Annals

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Anon

Genre:

Notes, Drollery; Report, Spoof

Subjects:

Zoological Gardens, Amusement


    Introduces a report, purportedly by William Tyler Tyler, William (1799–1864) WBI
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of the Surrey Zoological Gardens Surrey Literary, Scientific and Zoological Institution—Gardens
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, on the animal casualties caused by the 'Siege of Bajados' entertainment held in the gardens.



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Punch,  16 (1849), 259.

State of the Hop Gardens

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Anon

Genre:

Essay, Drollery; Illustrator, Satire

Relevant illustrations:

wdct.

Illustrators:

N, pseud.  [William Newman] Newman, William (fl. 1842) Spielmann 1895
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Spielmann, Marion Harry Alexander 1895. The History of "Punch", London: Cassell
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Subjects:

Horticulture, Agriculture, Entomology, Commerce, Government


    Discusses the impact of the fact that 'modern science has enabled brewers to make beer without hops'. Describes the consumption of the hop-plant by the hop-fly and a species of fly, the 'Vastator Excisor', which ravages whatever 'little may be left of the hops' after other insects have fed on them. The illustration and text reveals that 'Vastator Excisor' is in fact an excise officer.



Punch,  16 (1849), 261.

The First and Last Man rolled into One

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Anon

Genre:

News-Commentary, Drollery

Subjects:

Chemistry, Nutrition, Amusement


    Argues that chemists' claim that 'sawdust is much healthier than any other kind of bread' is supported by the fact that the celebrated ringmaster, John E Widdicomb Widdicomb, John Esdaile (1787–1854) ODNB
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, 'has been deriving his bread from sawdust for years'.



Punch,  16 (1849), 261.

A Poke at the 'Pothecaries

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Punch Punch
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Genre:

Letter, Spoof

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Medical Treatment, Expertise, Status, Chemistry, Pharmaceuticals

People mentioned:

Justus von Liebig Liebig, Justus von (1803–73) DSB
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    Complains to the 'Board of Examiners' at the Apothecaries' Hall Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London—Apothecaries' Hall
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that they are not admitting candidates for their license who have certificates from 'a College of Chemistry' in Liverpool. Asks whether it would refuse the certificates of William T Brande Brande, William Thomas (1788–1866) DSB
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and Michael Faraday Faraday, Michael (1791–1867) DSB
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, and wonders whether an 'affectionate attachment' to its physician-patrons in London hospitals is the 'private motive'. Accuses the Society of Apothecaries Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London
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, which has opposed the University of London University of London
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and the Royal College of Surgeons Royal College of Surgeons
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in this matter, of being merely a 'society of medicine-vendors' and a 'fraternity of spurious physicians'. Hopes it is reformed by the legislature, and asks whether medical study should be directed by 'chemists and druggists'.



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